The global super absorbent dressings market accounted for US$ 95Mn in 2021 and is expected to reach US$ 141Mn by 2030 with a considerable CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast timeframe of 2022 to 2030.

Super absorbent dressings are multi-layer wound materials with a semi-adherent or non-adherent layer, as well as highly absorbent layers of fibers such as cotton, cellulose, or rayon, designed to minimize wound adherence and manage exudates. They can be used as a major or minor dressing for surgical incisions, burns, abrasions, lacerations, donor or skin graft sites, or any other exuding wound. On the other hand, super absorbent wound dressings are essential in chronic wound treatment. The super absorbent polymer dressing core efficiently soaks up large amounts of wound exudates from stress and vascular ulcers, burns, skin grafts, surgical incisions, and chronic wounds. Moreover, super absorbent dressings use alginate, fibrous fabric, Iodine gel, sodium chloride, calcium, or other substances to attract excess fluid away from the wound.

Drivers

·         Growing prevalence of chronic and acute wounds

·         Increasing incidence of diabetic foot ulcers

·         Growing geriatric population with wound infections such as pressure ulcers and leg ulcers

Restraints

·         High treatment costs and inadequate reimbursement

·         Government regulations governing the safety and efficacy of super absorbent dressings

Opportunity

·         Increasing R&D in advance wound dressing

·         The rise in the number of chronic diseases across the globe

Super Absorbent Dressings Market Dynamics

One of the major factors driving the growth and demand for super absorbent dressings is the rapidly increasing number of patients suffering from non-healing wounds. Furthermore, a rise in the number of accidents and trauma cases, an aging population, and the prevalence of chronic diseases are driving market demand. Furthermore, an increase in total health expenditure, the number of medications and surgeries, technological advances in super absorbent dressings and healthcare awareness also contribute to the economic growth of the super absorbent dressings industry. Furthermore, the market for super absorbent dressings is expected to grow due to their advantageous properties such as high exudates absorption rate, favorable compression performance, fluid retention, ease of application, and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, Government regulations concerning the safety and efficacy of super absorbent dressings are impeding the market growth. 

Market Segmentation

Market by Product

·         Adherent

·         Non-adherent

In terms of product, the non-adherent dressing segment will account for more than two-thirds of the market in 2021. Non-adherent dressings are generally used for open wounds with minimal to moderate exudates. The non-adherent nature of fabric avoids it from sticking to the wound as it heals. Furthermore, with non-adherent dressings, there will be almost no pain during removal, giving the patient a sense of relief. In addition to its gentle nature, this dressing will not interfere with the healing process and will not leave any residue. Non-adherent dressings are frequently used for wounds that do not need to be covered. Additionally, non-adhesive dressings could also help in the prevention of skin damage by reducing friction at healing sites.

Market by Application

·         Chronic Wounds

o   Diabetic Foot Ulcers

o   Venous Leg Ulcer

o   Pressure Ulcers

o   Other

·         Acute Wounds

o   Surgical & Traumatic Wounds

o   Burns

In terms of applications, the acute wounds segment accounted for more than half of the market shares in 2021, owing to an increase in the geriatric population as well as an increase in the number of various acute wound infections. A skin injury that occurs suddenly rather than gradually is referred to as an acute wound. It heals at the normal wound healing rate, which is predictable and anticipated. Acute wounds can occur anywhere on the body and range in severity from small cuts to deep wounds that cause nerve, blood vessel, and muscle damage. On the other hand, chronic or non-healing wounds are defined as injuries that are slow to heal, do not progress through the standard phases of healing in an orderly manner, and do not show any significant progress toward healing within thirty days to three months. They include venous ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, arterial ulcers, and pressure ulcers. Furthermore, due to an increase in the number of pressure ulcer patients, demand for chronic wound segments is expected to rise in the coming years.

Market by End-use

·         Hospital

·         Home Healthcare

·         Clinics

·         Others

In terms of end-use, the hospital segment held the largest market share in 2021. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the increase in the number of health care facilities and hospitalizations around the world. Hospitals use super absorbent dressings to manage the wound site of a patient suffering from an acute injury. These can be directly applied to the skin's surface or over a wound surface depending on the severity and type of injured area being treated. Super absorbent dressings have been used in hospitals because they help to exudates, which are necessary for stimulating tissue growth, regenerating new cells, and removing dead ones. As a result, super-absorbent dressings are being used to treat diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, surgical or pressure wounds, and burns. As a result of the growing prevalence of chronic wounds, the hospital segment is expanding.

Super Absorbent Dressings Market Regional Overview